Best Attractions in Southern Germany

June 15, 2015

If you want to step into the most stunning attractions of Southern Germany, check out the following spots and include it in your bucket list.

Bamberg

Bamber is known for its lovely architecture, especially in the old center of town. Two attractions of note are the old sculpture known as Dom, which depicts a young unknown rider. The second is the Altes Rathaus, which is a building that sits in the middle of the river with rooms hanging above the water. Of special note is the six day folk festival known as Sandkerwa. Several hundred thousand visitors descend upon Bamberg each August for the food, wine, beer, and local sports like fish jousting.

Munich

This Bavarian capital is the most populous city in Southern Germany. Located at the river Isar in Southern Bavaria, it is best known for its beautiful architecture, fine culture, and the annual Oktoberfest beer festival. Though the modern city has grown quite large, the original walled city, or Alstrading can be seen in the center, with remaining pieces of the walls and is worth a walking tour. Of special note are the 1972 Olympic village, the opera house, English Garden, and the nightlife in Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

This town along the romantic road is best known for its medieval center dating from the 14th centuries. A history of European wars and world wars have left the number of undisturbed cities of ancient architecture very decimated, and this is one of the best remaining examples of the old Medieval style in Germany. The small town is only around 6,000 but it gets many tourists stopping through on bus trips along the Romantic road. Whether the visit is short or long, don’t miss market square with the Town Hall tower, the Medieval crime and punishment museum, or the triangular plaza of Plonlein. If there is time, a walk around the restored city wall is a great way to get some spectacular views and photos.

Heidelberg

With historic treasures like the medieval Old Bridge, the Heidelberg Castle, the Church of the Holy Spirit and the Knight St. George House, it is no wonder that Heidelberg is one of the top tourist destinations in Germany. The picturesque city suffered little damage during World War II, with its baroque town center remaining intact. Home to Germany’s oldest university, Heidelberg’s long academic history can be retraced along the Philosopher’s Walk, a scenic footpath often walked by many earlier philosophers and professors.

Fussen

Nestled at the foot of the Alps, the small village of Füssen is the southern climax of the Romantic Road, with the nearby castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau the highlight of many a southern Germany trip. The town itself is home to the enchanting Hohes Schloss, or high castle. This medieval building has a lovely Trompe l’oeil facade on the outside and a stunning clock tower among its most famed features. The village also has a former Benedictine monastery called St Mang. Many lakes and beautiful trails are nearby if you would like to venture out of the village. Though most of the highlights can be seen in a day or two, the charming ambiance here is worth taking time to soak in and explore.